Klopp in no doubt over Liverpool’s nerve after Hammers draw

Afp, London
6 February, 2019 12:00 AM

Liverpool striker Sadio Mane, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against West Ham during their English Premier League match at London Stadium on Monday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. — AFP Photo

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp tried to preempt questions about the Premier League leaders’ ability to cope with pressure after they again dropped points in the title race in a 1-1 draw away to West Ham on Monday.

This result left Liverpool three points in front of second-placed Manchester City less than a week after they missed the chance to go seven points clear.

It was the second match in a row that Liverpool had dropped points following a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester. Pep Guardiola’s City could now regain top spot with victory at Everton on Wednesday.

“Probably all the reports are already written without me saying anything,” Klopp told the BBC.

“I didn’t see anything about pressure that you can ask in the next few questions,” added the German, looking to become the first Liverpool manager in 29 years to win the English title.

Sadio Mane gave Liverpool a 22nd-minute lead at the London Stadium despite Hammers’ complaints that James Milner was offside in the build-up.

But Manuel Pellegrini’s men equalised just six minutes later when a clever free-kick caught Liverpool napping and Michail Antonio shot past Alisson.